Let’s face it, COVID-19 has put a significant dent on summer plans. As the world faces this pandemic, vacations, girl’s nights, and weddings have seen cancelations due to stay-at-home orders. So, what now? Detroit is making sure your summer plans can continue, with slight modifications.
Grab your friends and get pedaling with the Detroit Rolling Pub. Launching in 2015, the Detroit Rolling Pub brings the bar to you. The mobile bar comes with a driver and offers a chance to gather with friends and enjoy the city views. The “bike” seats up to 16 and even has a Bluetooth speaker to play your favorite tunes. Hosting two-hour tours, the Detroit Rolling Pub offers a private look into the city. Beer, wine, and liquor are allowed.
For water lovers, Detroit Cycle Boat is a way to enjoy the summer sun and the Detroit River vibes. Founded by the same company as the Detroit Rolling Pub, this 16-passenger motor pedal boat comes with a captain and a deckhand and allows you to bring beer, liquor, and wine. However, if a bigger boat is needed for the party, Detroit Cycle Boat offers The Big Kahuna! This 12-passenger boat is for those who do not want to pedal, but still want to enjoy the waterfront views. This private charter docks at Sinbad’s Restaurant and Marina and is fun for all ages.
If Hawaii was on the list of summer plans, Detroit has you covered. Bring the island home with Aloha Tiki Tours. Like Detroit Cycle Boat, Aloha Tiki Tours is a waterfront experience but does not require pedaling. Leaving from Detroit or St. Clair Shores, this floating tiki bar allows food and beverages. While parties up to 24 are accepted, no more than six individuals are assigned to each floating tiki. Detroit Cycle Boat operates both; a waiver must be signed for rolling pub, cycle boat, and tiki tour adventures. Please remember to enjoy responsibly.
For lovers of the big screen, Campus Martius Park offers Movie Nights in The D. Airing at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. each Saturday; Campus Martius hosts movies such as Toy Story, Harriet, and Frozen II. The movies are free! With no admission, this is great for date nights, solo adventures, or a fun night out with the family. Registration is required, and you may arrive up to 30 minutes before showtime. Movie-goers must wear masks in the park and maintain a 6 feet distance from other patrons.
If you are looking for a more traditional movie theater experience, take a drive to the Ford Drive-In where you can enjoy box office movies from the car’s comforts. Located just outside of Detroit city limits in Dearborn, the Ford Drive-in offers double features for the price of one. Admission is free for children under five, while children under 12 are $5 and adults are $12.
In addition to movies, the Ford Drive-In will also host Encore Drive-In Nights. Beginning July 25, this summer concert series is exclusive to drive-ins across the nation and will feature brand new performances filmed exclusively for drive-in movie theaters. One ticket will accommodate one vehicle with up to six passengers.
Detroit is known for its music and culture. The Motown Museum provides the opportunity to relive an iconic moment in Detroit’s history. Considering the pandemic, the museum has introduced a more personal way to experience the museum and comply with safety guidelines. While walk-up visitors are welcomed, guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and require a mask to be worn during the tour. Reduced from its grouping of 30, the Motown Museum offers private 10-person tours to give you a feel of the Motown Sound.
Founded in 1985, this historic gem sits in the Northwest Goldberg neighborhood of Detroit. The visit is led by a tour guide to walk you through Hitsville U.S.A, Berry Gordy’s humble beginnings. With many of the artists being local legends, the tour follows a timeline of musical genius. Feel free to sing and dance to classic hits by Diana Ross and the Supremes, Smokey Robinson, and The Miracles and Stevie Wonder. Phones, cameras, and food are not allowed in the museum. Guests will be subjected to temperature checks before entering the museum.
The Detroit Institute of Arts offers an opportunity to explore art from all over the world. With so much to do and see within the museum, there will be something to satisfy the whole family. The DIA houses over 65,000 pieces of art and provides guided tours through its galleries. Whether a tour or leisurely enjoying the pieces independently, the DIA does not just stop at the arts. The museum also offers a movie theater and special exhibits to be shown during a specific time frame. Museum hours are adjusted to certify the safety of its visitors. Opening from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, the museum will also allow those who are high-risk to visit the museum 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. each morning.
Tickets will be free until August when regular ticket pricing will resume. Before entering the museum, guests will are required to wear a mask, receive a temperature check, and practice social distancing. At this time, cash is not accepted, and all services must be paid for using a credit or debit card.
Painting With A Twist is doing its part to bring fun curbside and offer a new spin to their business. Instead of visiting its studios, the studio is offering curbside pickups. For a fee of $35 per person, guests can bring the studio home. The paint kit will come with everything needed to create a masterpiece. All items included in the kit can be kept, including the brushes! To replace in-person instruction, Painting With A Twist is offering virtual sessions. Providing the link once the purchase is complete, videos are uploaded to the studio’s Facebook account and will provide step-by-step instructions to complete the painting at home. Gather the whole family and pick an outline to paint!
With these things to do, summer does not have to be canceled. As the world continues to adjust to the pandemic and new norms emerge, Detroit continues to offer fun around the city. Be sure to check the websites for additional information on how to be safe while exploring the city.